Commanders make ‘strong offer’ for Russell Wilson only to be rejected

INDIANAPOLIS — The Washington Commanders made a “strong offer” Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson only for Seattle to reject it, a source with knowledge of the situation confirmed. 

It is not publicly known what the Commanders exactly offered, but coach Ron Rivera has said the team is willing to be aggressive to find an upgrade at quarterback. Last year, Washington offered a first- and a third-round pick to the Lions for Matthew Stafford, though the Los Angeles Rams ultimately landed the veteran with multiple first-rounders, a third and quarterback Jared Goff. 

Rivera and Commanders general manager Martin Mayhew have both indicated that they think Washington’s roster is in a better position than in past years, allowing the team to swing big. 

“We’ve had numerous discussions with numerous teams with quarterbacks that we think might be available,” Mayhew said Wednesday. “We have pretty much canvassed the league with regards to that.” 

Wilson, along with Green Bay’s Aaron Rodgers and Houston’s Deshaun Watson, has been one of the most pursued names on the trade market this offseason as rumors began more than a year ago that Wilson might become available.

But the Seahawks have continued to reject that notion — and did so again this week when coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Schneider met with reporters at the NFL scouting combine. Carroll said the Seahawks have “no intention” of making a change at quarterback, while Schneider said they weren’t shopping Wilson.

Wilson, who has a no-trade clause, has also said he wants to remain with the Seahawks — even directly addressing a question from NBC’s “Today” about the possibility of playing for the Commanders.

“I love the East Coast, but I think the West Coast is better for me right now,” said Wilson, a Virginia native. “I got my whole family over here. I’m from Richmond and I know what you mean. I got people hitting me up every day. … Seattle’s the place I’m at right now and I love it. It’s great now.” 

The NFL Network first reported Washington’s pursuit of Wilson.

Last year, Washington’s brass stressed patience when declining to trade for a quarterback. Rivera said he didn’t want to “handicap” the roster by trading too much, adding he felt strongly about his position. “You have to do it judiciously,” he said.

This year, Rivera has struck a markedly different tone when asked about the potential cost of a trade. He has praised the roster in place, noting the strength of the offensive line and 1,000-yard performers like Terry McLaurin and Antonio Gibson. 

“When you get in these negotiations with another team, it’s whatever they’re asking for, is it what you’re willing to pay for, then that’s what it is,” Rivera said when asked Tuesday about how much is too much to pay in a trade for a quarterback.

The Commanders regressed in 2021 after making the playoffs a year prior, finishing with a 7-10 record. In 2020, Washington went 7-9 but still made the postseason in part because of a dominant defense and a weak NFC East. The Commanders played a first-place schedule this past season and their defensive performance fell off significantly.

Washington isn’t the only team in the market for a quarterback. The Pittsburgh Steelers, Denver Broncos and the Carolina Panthers — to name a few — are among clubs actively looking for an upgrade. 

However, teams in the hunt for a new passer are likely to run into obstacles as the actual amount of intriguing options appears to be dwindling by the day. With Wilson unavailable, Rodgers still hasn’t made a decision if he wants to play in 2022 and Watson’s legal situation with the 22 women accusing him of sexual misconduct has yet to be resolved.

Other thought-to-be options don’t seem to actually be on the market, such as Minnesota’s Kirk Cousins and Las Vegas’ Derek Carr. San Francisco’s Jimmy Garroppolo remains an exception, with general manager John Lynch confirming this week that the 49ers were listening to offers for the veteran starter. 

“We’ve done the work of trying to figure out who we think might be available,” Mayhew said, “touching base with all the clubs that have somebody like that.”